Scholarships at Lesley University are a gateway to accessible, high-quality education for aspiring creatives, educators, counselors, and changemakers from around the world. Located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Lesley University is not just an academic institution—it’s a vibrant community where art meets advocacy, theory meets practice, and ambition meets financial support.
| Host Country | USA |
| Host Institute | Lesley University |
| Level | Under Graduation |
| Eligible Nationality | All Nationalities |
| Closing Date | Feb 15/Nov. 1 |
With a firm belief in the transformative power of education, Lesley offers an extensive range of scholarships and financial aid options to support undergraduate, transfer, graduate, and international students. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in expressive therapies, education, visual arts, or creative writing, this guide will walk you through all the financial aid possibilities available at Lesley.
🌟 Why Lesley University?
Before diving into the scholarships, it’s worth understanding what sets Lesley apart:
- Location: Steps away from Harvard and MIT, nestled in a globally renowned academic city.
- Mission-Driven: Emphasizes social impact, mental health, creativity, and community service.
- Small Class Sizes: Faculty mentorship is central to student development.
- Diversity-Focused: Strong commitment to inclusive and global education.
Affordability and financial access remain top priorities, making scholarships a vital part of Lesley’s promise to its students.
💰 Types of Scholarships at Lesley University
Lesley offers numerous institutional scholarships, most of which are renewable and stackable with federal, state, or external funding. Scholarships are broadly categorized as follows:
🔹 1. Undergraduate Scholarships
Lesley provides robust scholarship packages for first-year undergraduate students that can dramatically offset tuition costs.
✅ Merit-Based Scholarships (Automatically Awarded)
These scholarships do not require a separate application. Upon admission, students are automatically considered based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and overall application strength.
| Scholarship | Amount per Year | Renewal Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | Up to $18,000 | GPA 3.0 or above; full-time status |
| Presidential Scholarship | Up to $16,000 | GPA 3.0 or above |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Up to $14,000 | GPA 2.8 or above |
| Lesley Scholarship | Up to $12,000 | Satisfactory academic progress |
Key Benefit: Renewable for four consecutive years of full-time enrollment.
✅ Need-Based Financial Aid
Students who submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) may qualify for:
- Lesley University Grant
- Federal Pell Grant (up to $7,395/year for 2025–26)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Combined with scholarships, these awards help reduce out-of-pocket tuition expenses significantly.
✅ Honors Program Scholarships
High-achieving applicants invited into the Honors Program receive additional financial incentives, as well as exclusive mentorship, leadership training, and research opportunities.
🔹 2. Scholarships for International Students
Though international students are ineligible for U.S. federal aid, Lesley makes a strong effort to support global scholars through its International Merit Scholarships and other university-funded initiatives.
🌍 International Merit Scholarships
Awarded based on academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and (for creative programs) a strong portfolio.
| Award Name | Annual Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| International Honors | Up to $18,000 | Top 10% of class or equivalent GPA |
| Global Citizen Award | Up to $15,000 | Strong leadership, community service |
| Creative Talent Award | Varies ($2K–$5K) | Requires portfolio (for art/design applicants) |
🔸 No separate application required
🔸 Portfolio review encouraged for art, animation, illustration, and design majors
🔸 Renewable with a 3.0 GPA and good standing
🌐 External Support Opportunities for International Students
International students are encouraged to explore additional funding via:
- Fulbright Program
- EducationUSA Advising Centers
- Government scholarships (e.g., from Pakistan, India, Nigeria, Ghana, Vietnam)
- NGO and private foundation support
🔹 3. Scholarships for Transfer Students
Lesley actively welcomes transfer students with competitive scholarships.
| Scholarship | Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Merit Scholarship | Up to $15,000 | GPA 3.0+, strong academic record |
| PTK Honor Society Award | $2,000 additional | Must be Phi Theta Kappa member |
Transfer students are also eligible for Lesley’s Need-Based Aid by submitting FAFSA or CSS Profile (for international students).
🔹 4. Graduate Scholarships, Fellowships & Assistantships
Lesley’s graduate programs are highly respected in education, counseling, mental health, and expressive therapies. Scholarships and stipends help make graduate education more affordable.
🎓 Graduate Merit Scholarships
| Program | Scholarship Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Up to $5,000 | Based on academic and clinical potential |
| Teacher Education (M.Ed.) | Up to $4,000 | GPA 3.0+ and commitment to teaching |
| Creative Writing (MFA) | Variable | Portfolio quality and creative promise |
🤝 Graduate Assistantships
Open to full-time students. Includes:
- Tuition reduction
- Monthly stipends
- Valuable teaching/research experience
🧑🎓 Alumni Advantage Discount
Lesley alumni pursuing graduate degrees at Lesley receive a 10% tuition discount, promoting continued learning.
🏫 Partner Organization Scholarships
Discounted tuition is offered to employees of schools, non-profits, and organizations that partner with Lesley.
🎨 Scholarships for Creative and Artistic Programs
Students applying to the Lesley University College of Art and Design (LUCAD) may be eligible for portfolio-based scholarships in addition to merit awards.
Programs That May Qualify:
- Illustration
- Animation & Motion Media
- Photography
- Fine Arts
- Design (User Experience, Graphic, Interaction)
A strong portfolio can increase total scholarship awards by up to $5,000 annually.
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📝 How to Apply for Lesley University Scholarships
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Submit Application for Admission
Your scholarship eligibility begins once you apply. Include transcripts, essays, and portfolios (if applicable). - Submit Financial Aid Forms
- U.S. Students – FAFSA required
- International Students – CSS Profile or institutional aid form
- Prepare Portfolios
For LUCAD and MFA programs, follow detailed submission guidelines and deadlines. - Inquire About Graduate Assistantships
Email program coordinators or the financial aid office to express your interest. - Explore External Funding
Lesley maintains a list of external scholarships, fellowships, and grants you can pursue.
🧭 Example: Building a Full Financial Aid Package
Let’s consider an international undergraduate art student from Kenya:
- Merit Scholarship: $16,000/year
- Creative Talent Award: $3,000/year (portfolio-based)
- External NGO Scholarship: $4,000/year
- On-Campus Work: $3,000/year (10–15 hrs/week)
Total Aid: $26,000/year
This combination drastically reduces the net tuition burden from ~$40,000 to ~$14,000/year.
✅ Tips for Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential
- Apply Early: Priority deadlines often receive better aid packages.
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Especially crucial for creative fields.
- Maintain Good Grades: Most scholarships are renewable with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Get Involved: Volunteer work, clubs, and leadership roles matter.
- Stay in Touch: Regularly communicate with Lesley’s financial aid office for new opportunities.
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📣 Testimonials
“As a first-generation college student, the scholarships I received from Lesley made all the difference. I was able to study Art Therapy without worrying about crushing debt.”
— Sofia M., Class of 2024
“I received a combination of international merit awards and external funding that helped me attend graduate school in the U.S. I’m now interning at a Boston-based nonprofit.”
— Arman R., MFA in Creative Writing
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does Lesley University offer full-ride scholarships?
A: No, Lesley does not offer full-tuition scholarships, but generous merit and creative awards can significantly reduce tuition.
Q2: Are scholarships renewable?
A: Yes, most scholarships are renewable for up to four years for undergraduates, and two years for graduate students, provided GPA and enrollment requirements are met.
Q3: Can international students apply for assistantships?
A: Yes. Graduate assistantships are available to international students on F-1 visas, depending on program and workload eligibility.
Q4: Is a separate scholarship application needed?
A: For most merit scholarships, no. Portfolio-based and assistantship applications may require additional steps.
Q5: What is the FAFSA code for Lesley University?
A: Lesley’s FAFSA code is 002160.
🔗 Useful Resources
- Lesley University Financial Aid Page
- Undergraduate Scholarships Overview
- Graduate Financial Aid
- CSS Profile for International Students
- FAFSA Application Portal
🎯 Final Thoughts
Lesley University scholarships are not just about numbers — they represent an investment in your vision, creativity, and potential to create meaningful change. Whether you’re from Boston or Bangalore, Nairobi or New York, Lesley makes it possible to pursue an education grounded in innovation, compassion, and social impact. The support is there — all you have to do is take the first step.
